HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY DIRECTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING OFFICER & SAFETY ADVISOR FOREMAN ON SITE DELEGATION AND SAFE METHOD OF WORK & SURVEYING SITE PRIOR TO WORK & EQUIPMENT CHECKS OPERATIVE LABOUR ALL PERSONS OTHER THAN EMPLOYEES SAFETY CHART INTERCLEAN 52 WALTON STREET LEICESTER LE3 0DX POLICY FOR HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORK It is the policy of this Company to give the greatest importance to the Health and Safety of its employees. The Company considers this duty to be a management responsibility equal to that of any other function. The Company recognises and accepts responsibility as an employer for providing a safe and healthy work place and working environment for all employees in premises under its control. It is also the Company's policy to co-operate with customers or prospective customers with the object of providing for our employees similar facilities on premises not under our control. Moreover, the Company recognises and accepts its obligations to ensure that other parties are not adversely affected by its activities. The Company will take all steps, so far as is reasonably practical to meet its Health and Safety responsibilities, paying particular attention to the provision and maintenance of: (a) Safe plant, equipment and system of work (b) Safe arrangements for the use, handling, storage, transporting of equipment and materials. (c) Sufficient information, instructions, training, and supervision to enable all employees to avoid hazards and contribute positively to their own safety and health at work. (d) A safe place of work and access to it. (e) A healthy working environment. A safety policy is unlikely to be successful unless it actively involves the people who work in the Company. The Company will, therefore seek to ensure effective communication and consultation via the various Safety Committees and the safety representatives that have been set up. It is equally the duty of every employee to work in accordance with the Company Safety Policy. To this end each employee must accept and carry out his/her responsibilities to: (a) (b) (c) (d) Act with due care to prevent injury to themselves and others. Report all accidents, damage to equipment and potential hazards. Follow the agreed working procedures, including the correct use of safety equipment and protective clothing. It will be the duty of any cleaner who is required to operate equipment with which they are unfamiliar to make this fact known to their supervisor so that training can be given. The Company Safety Policy will be reviewed as appropriate and any revisions will be brought to the notice of all employees. ALL EMPLOYEES TO SIGN BELOW TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THIS HEALTH AND SAFETY DOCUMENT. Signed……………………………………….. Date………………………………… INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY 14. FOREMAN/LEADING HAND 15. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. This job exists to control the activities of a window cleaning crew of any number above one. Collects batches of workbills from the office, organises the programme of work. On completion of each job, make certain that the signature of the customer's designated representative is obtained either by the window cleaner or by himself. Completes the wages summary sheets and submits to the office, together with the completed workbills. Where work is allowed to be booked off, ensures that this is done within Company guidelines, and that the work is completed without delay. Allocate work in accordance with the individual skills of his crew members. Monitors the training needs of his men and recommends the appropriate training to his branch management. Ensures that vehicle(s) allocated to his crew are kept clean and tidy, and are regularly serviced. Report to management any reprimands, unauthorised absence, poor timekeeping, unsatisfactory performance, or any other disciplinary offence. Familiarise himself with the Company's Health and Safety Policy and Working Instructions, and ensures that those under his control are aware of their responsibilities in this respect. Ensure that new employees and especially "tumbler" are strictly supervised and trained before they are allowed to work above ground level, and that methods of working are strictly adhered to at all times, by everyone. Ensures that any protective clothing and any safety apparatus are used as required for the job in hand. Inspect all cradle and Bosun's Chair rigging before commencing work each day. Ensure that it is properly set up and safe to use, and fill in and sign the appropriate form. Reports any accidents and dangerous occurrence in his work area and co-operates with anyone empowered to carry out an investigation. Carry out such other duties as may from time to time be allocated to the Leading Hand/Foreman. OPERATIVE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Understand the Company Health and Safety Policy and observe it at all times. Be familiar with Company and customers' rules and follow them at all times. Read and fully understand the contents of the Company's Safety Handbook set out in Part 2. Avoid improvising or taking short cuts which might involve unnecessary risks. Understand and follow all safety instructions given, carry out any special instructions and methods of working stated on workbill and use safety equipment provided. Watch out for and report any temporary or permanent alterations to the premises or cleaning specifications since the last visit which may affect safe access or method of working. If in the operative's opinion it appears unsafe to carry out the allotted work for any reason at all, report back to enable the situation to be investigated. Warn new employees of any known hazards. Only carry out work when all the correct and necessary equipment is available to work safely and efficiently. Only use plant and machinery for which proper instruction and training has been given. Report all damage to, and defects in, plant or machinery. Report any defect to customers' premises, or to permanent equipment provided by them which prevents the work from being carried out safely and efficiently. 13. 14. 15. 16. Where regulations, Company rules or manufacturers' instructions require it, follow special precautions and wear protective clothing. Report all accidents and dangerous occurrences and give full co-operation to anyone carrying out investigations. Set a good personal example. Attend safety meetings as required. ALL EMPLOYEES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Act at all times with due care for the health and safety of themselves, other workers and the general public. Understand and observe the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act and Company rules and instructions. Co-operate with the Company as far as is necessary to enable the provisions of the Act to be carried out. Do not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interest of health, safety and welfare. Notify their immediate superior of any situation considered to be a hazard to themselves or others. Correctly use and safety equipment or protective clothing as instructed. Be aware of risks to their health which may arise from processes in which they are involved. Do not use any equipment, machinery or substance without proper training and instruction. Report all accidents or dangerous occurrences to their immediate superior. Know what to do in the event of fire on the customer's premises in which they are working. Make suggestions to improve procedures for making the Company's health and safety performances more effective. Set a good personal example. EQUAL OPORTUNITY POLICY It is the policy of this Company that all persons shall have equal opportunity for employment and advancement in the Company on the basis of their ability, qualifications and fitness for work. There shall be no discrimination against any person in recruitment, promotion or in any other way, on the grounds of religious affiliations, colour, sex, race, ethnic or national origin. WINDOW CLEANING SAFETY HANDBOOK 'COME CLEAN WITH SAFETY' Introduction This Safety Handbook has been issued for information and guidance to operatives and management connected with the Window Cleaning operations of Interclean. GENERAL ADVICE Your safety depends on making a habit of checking the following: (a) The object is for all to contribute to the prevention of accidents to personnel and property, and to ensure the safety of all persons coming within the scope of Interclean's Window Cleaning operation. (b) It is essential that the principles set out in this handbook be faithfully applied if accidents, and the resultant suffering and loss are to be avoided. (d) Please do not view this book as unnecessary or an insult to your intelligence. Just because you may have been a window cleaner for many years, everyone can learn something new every day. Think ahead. Think preventative safety, not curative safety. It's no good being wise after the event! (c) (e) (f) (g) (h) Adhere to the method of work given on the workbill, short-cuts can cause accidents. Check every window before starting to clean it. Alterations may have been carried out since your last visit. Look at sash lines or balances to see that they are sound and not liable to break whilst cleaning. Ensure that the window operates correctly and is not liable to jam while you are working outside. Watch out for special locks which operate when the window is shut. Never close the window fully when outside and by doing so lock yourself out. Use a tightly folded swab to stop the window from closing completely. Never stand on, or rest ladders against window flower boxes. Eventually these rot if made of wood. It is in your own interest that you avoid wearing rings whilst you are working. Serious injuries have been caused (even to the complete loss of a finger in some cases). Remember, a window catch or fanlight stay can catch under a ring, or with years of wear a ring wears thin and eventually breaks and you at least have a badly torn finger so you will not be able to work. It is in your own interest and that of others that you do not take in alcoholic drink during or immediately prior to working. Don't do it. You are no good to your family if you are in hospital or worse. FRAGILE ROOFS CLEANING WINDOWS No man may pass over or work on any fragile roof without proper scaling apparatus or roof boards. If these are not available on site, the work MUST NOT be started and contact must be made with the office for the necessary equipment and proper instructions. Clean windows from inside wherever practicable and wear your personal safety belt, harness and line. Always attach your safety line to the Safety Eyebolts if provided, and ensure that the ferrule on the Karabiner is in the locked position. There is no truth in the idea that it is safe to walk along the line of fixing bolts. It is in fact a dangerous practice and gives a false sense of security. Never pass from one window to another on the outside of a building or walk along a cornice or other projection. The Company is not held responsible for any accident which may occur whilst doing so. Do not forget that you need a minimum of 2 boards when moving along a roof. One to stand on whilst moving the other. Never use odd pieces of wood that may be handy. TREAD WARILY MAKESHIFTS CAUSE ACCIDENTS Remember sill pads are available for polished sills and ledges. A secure handhold and foothold is essential to your safety. DO NOT rely on insecure fittings, particularly sash pull handles. The danger of them breaking or coming away, due to their working loose or to rust or rot, is a very serious one. You cannot always tell by their appearance whether they are secure or not. DON'T HOLD ON TO THEM AT ALL! Contrary to what you may think, sitting on the outside sills is no safer than standing on them, unless there is a provision to attach your safety harness to properly installed safety eyebolts. This is particularly important when cleaning sash windows. Hinged windows are a hidden danger, as the hinges are not deigned to take a man's weight. Hold on to a fixed point on the structure. Never stand on or lean the ladder against reflectors. 1. 2. 3. Broken, glazed, cracked, narrow or sloping sills are not good footholds, and you must avoid using them. If in doubt do not clean. REPORT TO YOUR OFFICE. Where benches, desks, etc are placed so that access is difficult or dangerous, report it to the office or your representative, who will see the client. If in your opinion, it appears unsafe to clean a window for any reason at all, do not clean it. REPORT IT TO THE OFFICE OR YOUR REPRESENTATIVE, who will see the client. If you suffer injury, however slight, obtain proper medical treatment. REPORT ANY ACCIDENT TO YOUR OFFICE, obtaining names and addresses of witnesses. Make sure that it is entered in the Accident Book. Do not attempt to clean cracked or broken glass. Leave it and report to your office and client. A 'SHINER'S JOB' involves some hazards. Do not let familiarity breed contempt. Pay attention to what you are doing ALL THE TIME. Any suggestions by employees for promoting safety will receive careful consideration. Always carry a copy of these Guidance Notes and study them frequently. If you lose this book - ask for another at the office. DON'T TAKE CHANCES Use of Ladders LADDERS These cause the greatest number of accidents. The following rules will make for safer working. Remember, there are at least 30 different ways that accidents can happen using a ladder incorrectly. Check your ladder frequently and before use each day. WATCH OUT FOR RUBBER FEET Loose or defective THE RUNGS Particularly at the point where the enter the stiles THE STILES For warping, cracking or splintering. THE METAL FITTINGS For damage, loose or missing bolts or screws. NEVER USE A LADDER WITH A BENT OR BROKEN RUNG! Do not use parts from different ladders. Check that the numbers marked on each section match. Report any defects immediately. Fix a label to the ladder stating that it must not be used and why. Return it to the stores and get a replacement. Always use a ladder THE RIGHT length. It must extend at least 1.1M(3ft 6in), 4 rungs, above the highest rung from which you will be standing and still leave a good overlap on a 2 or 3 part ladder. Closed Length Up to 4.26M (14ft) 4.5-5.1M (15-17ft) 5.4-6.1M (18-20ft) 6.4-7M (21-23ft) 7.3-8M (24-26ft) Minimum Overlap 0.6M (2ft) 3 rungs 0.77M (2ft 6in) 3 rungs 1M (3ft) 4 rungs 1.1M (3ft 6in) 4 rungs 1.25M (4ft) 5 rungs When loading ladders on a vehicle, make sure that the load is evenly distributed and not loaded more on one side than the other. Ensure that the load is securely lashed to the roof rack and that the rack itself is secure. DO NOT load long ladders on top of ten steps or small two parts, the longest ladders should be loaded first. Doing this helps the stability of the load. NEVER use a single section of a pointed ladder on its own, other than a ten step. Always select the correct length ladder for the job. Always use a wired ladder the right way round with the wire underneath. Stand the ladder on a firm even base. Set it at the correct angle. A good guide is 1M (3ft) out by every 4M (12ft) up, e.g. if the ladder rests at 6M (20ft) the foot should be 1.5M (5ft) away at the base. Always face the ladder when ascending or descending. Ensure that there is no possibility of the ladder slipping. If necessary lash it or have someone footing it. When spanning roof trusses on the inside of buildings, always use a board of the 'Youngmans' pattern and ensure that a handrail is in position. Do not forget to use your damp swab to stand the ladder on when floors are wet or highly polished. When carrying ladders on a roof rack mark any rear overhang irrespective of length up to a maximum of 10 feet i.e. 10 rungs. Whenever possible, place the tip of a pointed ladder in a corner so that it cannot slip sideways. Remember, a ladder is a very quick and easy answer to an access problem. But don’t be tempted to abuse the rules. Watch what you are doing all the time you are using a ladder of any kind. Never over-reach from a ladder. Get down and move it along. What does a minute or so matter? Never place a pointed ladder on a flat surface. Use a spreader specially made to convert the pointed ladder which will stabilise the top. This applies to ten steps and the long combs or pointers. Spreaders are available from the Safety Department for both pointed and straight-sided ladders. Remember, a pointed ladder is only designed to be put into a corner or angle, not on a flat surface. When working on ladders, ALWAYS work in the upright position with both feet on a rung. DO NOT lean over sideways to reach further. Get down and move the ladder. DO NOT work on a ladder in a one-footed way with one foot on an adjacent sill or projection. Do not 'drop' any ladder onto a roof rack or onto the ground. Get help if it is too heavy for one person. Careless use damages the ladder and vehicle. Slide the ladder onto the roof rack. A ladder should never be used to bridge areas or similar gaps. It is NOT designed for this type of work. STORE THE LADDER WHERE IT WILL NOT DRY OUT. SAFETY EYEBOLTS Your safety belt/harness is your best friend. Its proper place is on your body, not draped over the ladder, even if you are reluctant to wear it. The karabiner and line should be secured to an eyebolt where one is provided. The karabiner and line should be attached to the eyebolt and the screwed ferrule in the locked position before getting out, and not unfastened for any reason until you are safely back inside the building. If for any reason whatsoever you consider your belt/harness or rope or karabiner to be unsafe, have it checked, and if any way faulty….. CHANGE IT! Always check that the eyebolt is firmly in place and does not appear to have been tampered with. If in any doubt, report your views to your Contracts Manager who may see the customer and ask them to produce a current test certificate for the bolts. Current means within 4 years of the last test date. Safety eyebolts are not always fixed in ideal positions because of structural fixing difficulties. You must wear a full harness supplied by the Company when cleaning buildings fitted with eyebolts or when so directed to by your workbill. If you discover the new eyebolt known as 'the Pushlock system', you must report to your safety supervisor and ask for instructions on how to use as this system is completely different from normal eyebolt fixing. CRADLE AND BOSUN'S CHAIR WORK General No man may use a cradle, bosun's chair or similar equipment unless he is fully experienced or under training by an experienced operator. Do not work on any roof when thunderstorms are in the immediate vicinity. Remember, lightning can strike there just as easily as on a golf course. This is particularly important when working with manual or electrical portable gear, as this is not connected into the building's lightning conductor system, unlike permanent equipment. Ensure that the chair is tied off correctly at each drop before you attempt to sit in the chair. PERMANENT INSTALLATIONS The following is a guide when dealing with permanent installations such as manual or electric trolley units and portable jibs. It may seem silly and unnecessary, but: 1. Wear your personal safety tope and belt/harness. 2. Refer to manufacturers' operating and safety instructions exhibited on the equipment together with any special instructions supplied by the building's occupier. 3. Attach personal safety rope to eyebolt provided on cradle roof trolley. In the absence of this fitting, attach to any suitable secure part of the trolley before attempting to rig ropes or wires. 4. Attach personal safety rope to eyebolt provided on cradle. In the absence of this fitting, attach to cradle suspension bar at all times whilst working in the cradle. 5. Portable jib arms must be locked into position and the personal safety rope attached to eyebolt provided. In the absence of this fitting, secure personal safety rope to jib before attempting to rig ropes or wires. 6. Remain attached to jib whilst entering cradle or bosun's chair, and when standing in cradle or seated in chair, unclip personal safety rope from jib and reclip to eyebolt provided or to cradle suspension bar. Cradles Ensure all bolts are tight and locked correctly. Never use string or wire to fix the guardrail. Bolts with wing nuts are supplied. Check they are all there before taking the cradle from the stores. If any are missing, ask for replacements. Never leave the cradle suspended unattended. Always lash securely to the building. Even when left at ground level, the blocks must be secure by lashing them to the cradle. If not secured, the blocks could swing and hit someone and it could be you or your mate. You must not stand on the guardrail or toeboard at any time. Winches and Wire Ropes Always follow the manufacturer's instructions which are usually on a plate fixed to the winch. Anyone using these for the first time must have had instructions for correct operating procedures. Make certain that suspension wires are free from kinks or other damage. After use, coil the wires correctly and store under cover. Whilst working in the cradle, NEVER attempt to clean anything between the safety rail and the toe board or the cradle. Always work above the safety rail in the normal way. Tirfor Winches (Pumping Type) These must not be used unless fitted with 'Stop Blocks' or 'Everest' safety lock devices. Contrary to what you may think, the winch must be lubricated with oil before use and then daily prior to commencing work. Doing this helps the internal jaws to grip the wire more firmly and makes the operation easier. Winding Type Winches Always ensure that the wire is wound onto the drum properly when storing after use. One man must hold the cable taught whilst a second man is winding the drum. If this is not done correctly, the cable will not lie evenly and it is not possible to wind all the cable onto the drum. In addition, the cradle may drop slightly as the cable tightens the next time the winch is used. Electric Winches Make certain that you are fully conversant with this type of equipment before using it. Also be sure that you know how to convert the machines to manual operation should the power fail whilst working on a building face. FINALLY Don’t forget the Caution Boards to warn the public where you are working. When using chemical products other than from our own label range, insist that you see the Data Sheet applying to that product. When using chemicals of any sort read and take notice of the instructions on the container. The use of Hydrofluoric acid is strictly forbidden. For splashes in or near the eye - wash out well with water then get medical treatment immediately. Barrier Creams must be applied before putting on rubber gloves, prior to using even weak chemical solutions. CARE OF ROPES The ropes supplied by the Company are staple spun polypropylene. These are 60mm 2 3/8" in circumference. When new they have a breaking strain of over 4000kgs(4tons). This allows a good margin for deterioration through normal wear and tear. Remember that polypropylene ropes are more subject to abrasive damage than other types. Do not drag these ropes along the ground or over parapet walls. The majority of ropes are condemned through careless handling. CHEMICALS All chemicals are safe to use provided the manufacturers instructions and the proper safety precautions are carried out. Treat chemicals with respect and take the proper precautions. Where special cleaning fluids, strong detergents or chemical compounds are needed for use on exceptionally dirty jobs, signed instructions will be issued at the discretion of the Branch Manager or safety supervisor. They will, where necessary, specify the protective clothing required and this equipment must be drawn from the stores and must be worn by the operator whilst using the chemicals. Before using rubber gloves, roll up from the wrist to compress the air inside the gloves to check for leaks. If it is essential to use chemicals in conjunction with a cradle, polypropylene ropes must be used. When using certain types of paint stripper which specifically state 'No Smoking' you are warned against the fire risk. Some of the chemicals are heated when drawn through a cigarette and are converted to phosgene gas. This can damage your lungs. TREAT CHEMICALS WITH RESPECT!! POWER DRIVEN PLANT SCAFFOLDING No mechanical plant or associated equipment may be cleaned unless the source of power is isolated and locked off. In the case of electrically driven plant, the fuses must be removed. Arrangements must be made with the occupier for the issue of a safety permit before any work is started on or near power driven machinery and its instructions followed. Before working from scaffolding, the following points should be checked: No work must be carried out in the proximity of unguarded machinery. Pay particular attention to the situation when working above machinery where the guards may be ineffective. (c) (d) (e) (f) Arrangements must be made to ensure that it is impossible for the machinery to be started when you are in an exposed position. (a) (b) Get permission to use scaffolding. Check with a responsible person, i.e. Site Engineer, Clerk of Works, that the scaffold is complete and the scaffold register signed. Has proper access been provided to the scaffold? Are toeboards and guardrails in position? Is the scaffold secured to the building to prevent collapse? Can you work effectively from the scaffold? Never remove scaffold ties to gain access to the work area. Report any defects to the Site Engineer or Clerk of Works immediately. Overhead Travelling Crane Mobile Scaffold Towers (Zip-Up-Staging) The Law requires that if any person is employed to work on or near the wheel track of an overhead travelling crane, effective measures must be taken to prevent the crane from travelling within 20ft of that workplace. Before starting work on or near an overhead travelling crane, check with a responsible person i.e. Works Engineer that steps have been taken to isolate the power supply, thereby preventing the crane from being inadvertently operated. Comply with the manufacturers erection and operating instructions. Pay particular attention to the following details: (a) (b) (c) (d) A safe method of working is best achieved by the removal of the fuses by the Works Engineer and the fuses given to the person in charge of the cleaning operation. This method together with the issue of a permit to work prevents the crane from being operated without the knowledge of the Leading Hand. (e) Lock all castors before climbing the tower. Ensure outriggers are positioned correctly. Always climb the towers by the ladders. Never climb up or down the outside using the tubes as handholds. The additional loading can cause them to topple over. Never move the towers whilst persons or materials are on the platforms. Never place a ladder on the top of staging to gain extra height. This could cause the staging to become unstable and topple over. LIFTING AND HANDLING Ignorance of the correct procedure for lifting is often a common cause of accidents, particularly to the back. By keeping the back straight, the leg muscles which are better suited to work than back muscles, have to take the load. Remember - Lift with your legs bent and your back straight. If the object is too heavy, ask for assistance. MOBILE HYDRAULIC PLATFORMS (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) Never attempt to operate this type of equipment unless you are fully experienced or under training from an approved operator. Refer to and understand the manufacturers operating and safety instructions. Wear your personal safety rope and belt/harness whilst working in the bucket. Never allow the safe working load to be exceeded. Ensure that the working platform is properly positioned, that outriggers (where fitted) are fully extended, with sole plates and spreaders as necessary and used to level the platform within limits specified by the manufacturer. Do not travel with the platform elevated unless specifically designed to permit this. Take care not to allow the knuckle of the boom to extend beyond the line of cones into the flow of traffic. When carrying out inspections of the vehicle, never go under a raised boom unless the machine has provisions built in to prevent the boom/platform from dropping following a possible hydraulic failure. THIS BOOK HAS BEEN WRITTEN FOR YOUR GUIDANCE AND WELFARE. IF IN DOUBT AT ANY TIME - ASK! ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE INTERCLEAN HAS AN EXCELLENT SAFETY RECORD. KEEP ITS GOOD NAME AND RECORD INTACT!